Thunder hire Cheeks as assistant coach

Philadelphia 76ers head coach Maurice Cheeks gestures to his team against the Denver Nuggets during the second half at the Pepsi Center in Denver on January 6, 2008. Denver beat Philadelphia 109-96. (UPI Photo/Gary C. Caskey) | License Photo

Philadelphia 76ers head coach Maurice Cheeks stands in front of the Sixers bench in the first quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden in New York City on January 25, 2008. The Knicks defeated the Sixers 89-81. (UPI Photo/John Angelillo) | License Photo

OKLAHOMA CITY, Aug. 14 (UPI) -- Maurice Cheeks, fired as Philadelphia's head coach last season, hooked on with the Oklahoma City Thunder Friday as an assistant coach.

The Thunder also hired Rex Kalamian as an assistant coach.

"We are thrilled to add Maurice and Rex to our coaching staff," said Thunder Coach Scott Brooks. "They bring a wealth of NBA experience and solid work ethic that will help our players' continued development."

Cheeks was dismissed by the 76ers last December after a 9-14 start to the season. He led the team to a 122-147 record with one playoff appearance during his tenure with the Sixers.

Previously, he coached Portland to a 162-139 mark and two playoff appearances.

Kalamian had stints as an assistant at Sacramento, Minnesota and Denver.